Forever, Alabama

By Susan Sands

Everybody loves local attorney and favorite son, Ben Laroux. Well, at least everybody of the female persuasion–until he meets Sabine O'Connor. She loathes him and makes no secret of her feelings, even when he pours on his famous charm hoping to thank her for helping his family. Ben has never been told no, and if there's one thing he's never walked away from, it's a challenge.

Sabine hopes she’s finally found peace and safety in the small town of Ministry. She’s changed her name to escape her painful past and her shameful family secrets. Ben Laroux is a gorgeous and sexy complication she can’t afford, but also can't resist. However, when her past threatens to derail her present and future, Ben might be the only man she can trust.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tule Publishing
• Release date: Mar 20, 2017
• ISBN: 9781945879937

Book preview

Author

Dear Reader,

If you’re reading this, it means you’ve gotten hold of my third novel! Thank you! It’s been a tough one to finish and I appreciate your taking the time to read it.

This past year has been a handful for many reasons. I won’t touch politics, but I will tell you that while I wrote this story, I had quite a few personal struggles within my own life that made my journey as a writer more difficult.

Special thanks to my mentor and dear friend, Karen White, for your advice and support. I can’t believe you still answer my calls! To my writer friends and critique partners: You are my base when things get crazy and it all blows up. Thanks to Christy Hayes, Laura Alford, Laura Butler and Tracy Solheim for the writer’s retreats and your friendship. Thanks to Sharlene Moore for the many fantastic graphics. A special gratitude to Andrea Brown for taking my headshots. You make me pretty.

Thanks to Jennifer Tarpley for being a character in my book!

Special gratitude to the Tule team: Jane, Sinclair, Meghan, Lindsey, and Michelle. You are the most professional, kind, and efficient group of ladies, and I’m debt for your patience when things got hairy.

As always, to my parents, my husband, and my children: I love you all and couldn’t do this writing thing without you.

Chapter One

‡

Everybody, who knew him, loved Ben Laroux—especially the female population of Ministry, Alabama and surrounding counties. Ben had to admit that’d been a pretty accurate statement in his experience—right up ’til now.

It made no sense. Still uncertain how his few interactions with Sabine O’Connor had gone so badly, Ben tried to catch up to her before she stalked out the door. She’d shaken his hand with formal politeness but obvious disdain earlier, then she’d dismissed him completely.

The woman was magnificent, with black hair, pale skin, and the lightest blue eyes he’d ever seen; they were nearly silver. He watched as she stopped short just before exiting the building, madly digging through her purse.

Looking for something? he asked.

He might have been just a bit too close for comfort—her comfort.

Her head snapped up, and she nailed him with a level stare. Let me guess; you found my phone? The sounds of country music and laughter made it difficult to have a normal conversation.

Now, why would you think I had your phone?

Because you’re grinning at me in a smirky, satisfied way, while I’m obviously panicking and searching for it.

I might have it, he admitted.

She placed a hand on her hip and asked, So, what will it take to get it back, and for you to leave me on my way?

Have dinner with me. Well, she’d asked, hadn’t she?

She narrowed her eyes at him. Okay. Give me your business card, and I’ll call you. She nearly yelled to be heard above the din of music and laughter.

She’d probably toss his card into the trash on her way out. How about I enter your number on my phone and I’ll call you to schedule?

Are you planning to stalk me? It sounded like a bit of a challenge.

Nah, I just want to figure out why you’re such a Ben-hater. I’m intrigued. If I fail to change your opinion of me, I’ll leave you alone. Scout’s honor. He held up the international Boy Scout hand gesture.

She rolled her eyes in unmistakable doubt of his scouting background.

You seem so certain you know my character.

It’s not so hard to figure out, she said.

The certainty in her ice-blue eyes bothered him. Seriously, he’d not done anything to her, or anyone else he could think of that warranted this edgy hostility.

Did he detect a whiff of bourbon along with her Coco Chanel? Can I offer you a ride home, or call you a cab? His upbringing forbade him leaving a woman stranded at a bar without a ride.

She shook her head. I’d planned to ride home with—a friend, but they didn’t show, so I’m going to call a cab.

Wait, somebody stood you up? He tried to keep the shock from showing in his expression.

What? Of course not. She smiled then, apparently realizing how incredibly nasty her tone and demeanor had been toward him. It was a—misunderstanding.

I’d be happy to drive you.

No, thank you.

I’ll wait here with you for the cab. She didn’t seem like the type to get behind the wheel after shooting whiskey, but he’d hang around just to be sure.

Fine.

He figured she realized by now the uselessness of arguing with him after their brief time spent together.

So, they stood just outside in silence as she waited for her ride.

Nice night, Ben observed.

Uh huh.

I want you to know that I appreciate what you’ve done for my family, he said, and meant it.

She was a family therapist and had played a big part in helping his brother-in-law, Grey, and Grey’s daughter, Samantha, deal with some incredibly nasty stuff last year when they’d come back to town. But he’d not spent any real time with her, personally.

You’re welcome.

More silence. Alrighty, then.

The cab arrived just as the silence was wearing awkwardly thin. Ben cleared his throat. It’s been my pleasure. He grinned. Looking forward to dinner, he said as he opened the car door and tucked her into the backseat.

He couldn’t tell through the window if that was a wave or not. Ben decided to remain optimistic for now.

Perhaps he should write her off as unfriendly, or simply uninterested and trying to make her point but, in his experience, people didn’t go out of their way to be snippy and rude unless they had a reason. Really, something was up with this gal. It was odd, because his family members thought the world of her.

Why had she singled him out for such raw treatment? Who hated Ben Laroux? Go figure.

*

Ben Laroux was a handsome dog, no offense to the mostly sweet and cuddly four-legged creatures she’d met thus far. She’d met him briefly through her clients, the Laroux family, whom she thought highly of, and considered friends.

But he was one of those men. All charm and manners and white, straight teeth—like a wolf. She was all done with that kind of misrepresentation. They always started out just fine, until their phony representative took off for the hills, and left the real guy behind. Then, the handsome façade and invisible personality warts became evident. In her case, warts would have been a far preferable flaw than what she’d ended up with. She’d married her frog, who’d ended up a snake—a poisonous one.

Sabine hadn’t missed the adoring glances of women and greetings from nearly everyone around during the brief time she’d been in Ben Laroux’s company. He was evidently very popular. Small-town high school football quarterback popular. He was also very intent on her reaction to him. Like he hadn’t ever met anyone who’d displayed an unfavorable response to him. He’d clearly been confused by her lack of adoration and approval.

The cab pulled up to her small house, and she took a moment to make certain no one was around—no cars parked outside or just down the street. A lamp shone through the curtains inside the cottage.

Sabine so rarely went out these days; her social life was almost nonexistent.

She paid the driver and went to work unlocking the three dead bolts. The porch light startled her.

Hey, honey, did you have a good time? Her mother’s lightly aging features were highlighted in the soft glow.

Hey, Momma, you should be in bed.

I couldn’t sleep. It’s just like when you were a teenager.

Sabine stepped inside and dead-bolted the locks. I’m not a kid anymore, Sabine reminded her mother.

Obviously. Her mother held her at arm’s length. Nobody could accuse you of being a child. You are a beautiful woman and I’m so proud of you.

Sabine smiled at her mother, her sweet, loving mother, who’d been through far more than any person should at the age of fifty-five. She hardly looked a day over forty-five, and no one believed they were mother and daughter.

Sabine hugged her mom and checked the back door, leaving the lamp on in the living room, as was her habit. The house had three bedrooms. Just enough for Sabine, her mother, and her sister, Rachel, whenever she turned up for an occasional visit.

As Sabine washed her face and brushed her teeth, her mind wandered back to the scene at the bar with Ben Laroux. As if she would have dinner with him.

The lower the profile she kept here in this sweet Southern town, the better.

The very last thing she needed was to bring anyone else into their small, comfortable life. Things had finally settled down into a peaceful routine.

Climbing under the covers and settling in with her trusty laptop, Sabine googled Ben Laroux. Though she had no interest in him as a potential date, he certainly was an interesting case study. If he did indeed plan to stalk her, she would be ready. Sabine knew who he was, but after their interaction this evening, admittedly, her interest had been further piqued.

The results were astonishing. There were thousands of hits upon simply entering his first and last name. He was a local attorney and philanthropist. He was also linked socially, to what must be, nearly every gorgeous woman in the state of Alabama, according to the images section of Google.

No wonder he seemed so surprised that she wasn’t interested. But she had known who he was the instant he’d introduced himself. In fact, besides meeting him at the Laroux home briefly a couple times, she’d been hearing incredible stories about Ben Laroux for awhile now.

A smile played about Sabine’s lips. After reading more about him, she better understood what a well-deserved trouncing of his ego she’d accomplished.

*

As before, when he’d been in her presence, even a brief period, his world had tipped slightly, and it unnerved him. Nobody tipped his world, at least not in a very long time. He’d planned to wait a few days before calling, but he saw her contemptuous ice-blue eyes every time he closed his.

Ben dialed Sabine’s number while he sat at his desk in his office, files piled all around. He’d shut the door, so he wasn’t disturbed. The line rang several times, then a pleasant and professional voice came on the line stating that Dr. Sabine O’Connor wasn’t available at present, and to kindly leave a message and she would return his call. Even her husky voice message caused an uncomfortable tightening in the zippered area of his jeans.

He ended the connection without leaving a message, unsure exactly what to say.

As he pondered the many possibilities, the blaring of his AC/DC Highway to Hell ringtone nearly made him drop the thing. Ben Laroux.

Oh, it’s you. I didn’t recognize the number. She must have done a call-back.

I’m flattered that you haven’t hung up yet, Dr. O’Connor.

Don’t be. I guess you want to have dinner. She sighed into the phone.

Sounds like you’d rather catch an incurable disease. But dinner was why I called. Wouldn’t want you to think I had no follow-through. He didn’t want to squander what would likely be his only opportunity to figure out what her deal was.

Fine.

I’m sorry? He nearly fell out of his chair.

I’ll have dinner with you. Her tone was grudging, but he supposed he’d bullied her just a little.

Glad to hear it, though don’t sound so enthusiastic.

She ignored that. I’m done here for the day, so I guess we could grab something quick. I’m starving, and you’ve assured me you’re not the lowest sort— She stopped, as if unsure how to proceed.

Ben smelled her defeat at his hands and grabbed the lead. Where are you? I know a little place—

"I know a place." She snatched control back and held onto it as if to keep him in check. She was only about five minutes away from his office and gave him directions where she wanted to meet.

Yes, ma’am.

*

Fifteen minutes later, seated with slabs of ribs and giant mugs of root beer, Ben was grinning ear-to-ear. I like your place.

Sabine held up her finger while she slugged her root beer, set it down with a clunk, then daintily dabbed at her lips with a napkin. He’d half-expected her to swipe her mouth with the back of her hand based on the gusto of her attack on the frosted mug.

Thirsty? He cocked up an eyebrow in question.

It’s been one of those days. She didn’t elaborate, only dove into the full slab of baby backs with an equal measure of enthusiasm.

This stunning creature ate ribs like a truck driver. He waited for the belch that never emerged. Still stunning, he decided. He’d only have been more impressed had that root beer been an actual draft beer. But she was driving.

So tell me about your practice. He was dying to know more about this woman who obviously could hardly stomach him, but had grudgingly agreed to share a meal—ribs at that.

I’m a clinical family therapist. You know, people with real problems—addiction, abuse, marriages in trouble.

He raised his eyebrows. Sounds like heavy stuff.

Some of it is very heavy. But, I’ve got several patients who treat therapy like a nail appointment and use it to complain about pet peeves and gossip. Sabine’s expression became guarded. I shouldn’t have said that.

No, I find it fascinating. I’ve got clients who do the same thing. They use litigation to annoy their neighbors. If they don’t like the color the neighbor painted the barn, then how better to irritate than to threaten a lawsuit against the barn’s owner? It’s not meant to pursue, just a well-placed letter from an attorney’s office. But it forces the barn owner to gain legal representation and spend time and money to defend the threat. See? We do have something in common. He grinned, pleased with himself for finding common ground.

She nodded, reluctantly. I can see that both our professions require a lot of time, energy, and paperwork and, when clients make light of our efforts for petty gains, it can be very frustrating, though I do realize those are the ones often in the most pain and crying out for attention.

Exactly. So, I’m wondering why I haven’t seen you around more, this being such a small town? Sure, he’d known she lived here, but he rarely, if ever, saw her out and about.

My office is tiny, and I work alone—no partners. I don’t get out much. She shrugged.

I would imagine it takes a lot of compassion and kindness to counsel those with such deep human conditions. The ones who come to you for the real reasons.

So, I guess you’re wondering why, if I’m such a kind and compassionate person, I didn’t treat you more fairly when we met? She teed it up for him.

And he swung away. An explanation would be nice.

Finally, she pushed away the nearly-clean platter and noted her surroundings, as if she’d only just become aware of them. The crowd consisted mostly of men, a few with dates, but none who compared to her in looks, class, or anything within the ballpark. He recognized several of them—most of them. A few had nodded. She hadn’t seemed to notice.

It’s a little slow this evening, she said.

He knew it was because this place was a favorite of his too.

Come here often? he asked, wondering if she was formulating a reason for her former rudeness or had decided not to fill him in.

Often enough to know it’s a little slow.

The waiter had recognized her and addressed her as ‘Doc.’ But he’d also slapped Ben on the back and called him by his first name.

"So, are you going to tell me why you treat me like I slithered out from under a maggot-covered rock?" He’d been dying to get to the bottom of her response to their initial introduction.

It has little to do with you, personally. Then, her posture relaxed and a small smile formed on her lips. I know this surprises you, but I’m not interested in your type.

My type?

You’re too good looking—

Thanks— Ben cut her off and grinned.

She held up a hand. I mean, women say yes all the time to you, don’t they?

He made a face. Not sure I want to hear this.

You’re so confident everyone will fall at your feet and adore you. You expect attention as your due, while the rest of us have to earn respect to gain notice.

Do you honestly think, with your looks, that you have to do anything but enter a room to get attention? That’s a bit hypocritical of you.

I work hard to gain respect, despite my physical appearance, and despite that I’m a woman. I often don’t get taken seriously because of how I look. People assume I’m successful because of my looks. So, it’s different.

He could only stare. Why did you agree to have dinner in the first place?

Because I was rude to you and you didn’t deserve it. I appreciated your bringing my phone back, though if I’d been less-fortunate-looking, I wonder if you’d have bothered. Maybe lost and found would have worked just fine.

He ignored the comment because he didn’t want to analyze the truth of her words. But he’d seen her softening, the shame at her behavior toward him. Well, I guess I should be honored that you even stooped so low as to meet me. The way her mind worked bugged the crap out of him.

You’re intentionally taking this the wrong way. I’ve been completely honest with you. She seemed to be struggling with herself not to be rude, but unable to dig out of it.

Honest? Your assumptions about my character, without even knowing me, and your pretty pathetic stab at minding your manners have been entertaining. Irritating, but entertaining.

She lowered her head. "I’m sorry. Your reputation precedes you. I must admit to being somewhat—no—very—biased against you."

He frowned. Has someone been talking trash about me?

Her face turned bright red. I—I really can’t say. She picked up her purse from the unoccupied chair and stood. Thank you for dinner—and for returning my phone. I appreciate both. Can we part ways now?

He waved off her attempt to settle half the bill and paid the check. They made their way out to the lot where they’d parked a few spaces apart. He climbed in the cab of his truck, shaking his head with wonder at her prejudice against him.

Ben started the truck and waved a hand as Sabine zipped past in her tiny, red sports car. He thought he could let it go. But damn if he didn’t mumble and curse all the way home.

Chapter Two

‡

Sabine’s decision to have dinner with Ben Laroux likely had shocked her more than him. She’d had no intention to see him again for dinner or otherwise.

Truth was, Sabine had come to mostly unfavorable conclusions about Ben Laroux’s character in an entirely rational way. He was a favorite topic of her female patients. Either they claimed incurable heartbreak after a short and passionate affair with him, wanted to regale her with his, um, considerable charm and skills as a lover, or they’d just plain crushed on him since high school. It was nauseating, really. She wondered if he understood his part in these women’s inability to let him go completely.

Of course, it wasn’t her place to counsel him. Unless he asked. But could she help? Or would she lecture him on his serial dating habits and leading women on? His happy oblivion was almost entertaining to watch, really.

After that night, Sabine was successfully able to put him out of her mind, except, of course, when she had to listen to those who continued extolling his virtues on a weekly basis.

Besides patients, Sabine had managed to keep her social footprint pretty small here, just outside Ministry.

Her clients, on the other hand, kept her posted on the town’s goings-on as it pertained to their lives. She had several patients with serious issues, as she’d told Ben. But she also counseled those who used therapy as their weekly spotlight for let’s talk about me.

Of course, Sabine didn’t judge, and eagerly waited for the opportunity to give constructive advice. If anything serious was revealed, she was there at the ready with real help. And she wanted to help.

The phone on her desk rang, startling Sabine out of her musings. She picked up the receiver.

Honey, I’m planning on making a shrimp gumbo tonight. Sound good?

Sabine’s thoughts were broken by her mother’s plans for dinner. Perfect. Do you want me to run by the store to pick up anything on my way home?

I went earlier, but forgot the rice. Grab a bag, if you don’t mind. Long grain—not Uncle Ben’s, okay? It was a huge step for her mother to venture out on her own these days, and Sabine was thrilled for the progress.

Of course. I’ll be leaving here soon. They hung up.

As she locked the exterior office door, Sabine caught sight of a black sedan disappearing around the corner. Had that been a fleur-de-lis decal on the back fender? Her heart nearly dropped to her toes.

Since Sabine and her mother had left—fled might be a better term—Louisiana a year and a half ago and changed their last names, they remained cautious. Hopefully, this was her paranoia working overtime.

*

Ben couldn’t believe he stood facing Sabine O’Connor in Judge Haney’s chambers. He’d just gotten the memo that the expert witness had been injured in a car accident, and Dr. O’Connor was to replace him. She wore a cranberry-colored suit, just short of all the way red. Her lipstick matched the color and his eyes were drawn to her very full lips.

They’d had to admit to the judge knowing one another. Ben tried hard to focus on the judge’s questions instead of her lips.

What exactly is the nature of your relationship with Miz O’Connor? The elderly Judge Haney eyed Ben through his thick spectacles as if Ben’d been caught stealing candy.

"It’s Dr. O’Connor, Judge Haney. She’s got a PhD."

Is that so? The judge’s bushy gray eyebrows shot up in a high V.

Yes. I returned her cell phone at a bar, and we had dinner together one time. We’ve not had contact since. Oh, that sounded ever-so-simple. Ben could smell her perfume, a light jasmine scent that he’d remembered for days after their last encounter.

The old judge turned his rheumy eyes toward Sabine. "Do you concur with Mr. Laroux’s statement, Dr. O’Connor?"

Yes, Your Honor, she answered, not sparing Ben a glance.

So, to be clear, there’s no personal relationship ongoing between the two of you? The judge asked again, just as Ben dragged his gaze away from Sabine.

He hoped he could keep it together when the time came for cross-examination. What in the world was it about her that got him so cranked up?

No, sir. They answered in unison.

Judge Haney motioned to the district attorney. Do you have any objection to Dr. O’Connor testifying as an expert witness in this case?

The DA shook his head. No sir.

"The matter is settled then, and the trial will resume with a forty-eight-hour delay for Miz—uh—Doctuh O’Connor to familiarize herself with the case."

Ben let out a breath. He’d prepared his cross-examination for the witness without realizing it was to be Sabine. She was testifying on behalf of the prosecution and he represented the defendant.

As they left the judge’s chambers, neither chanced a glance or conversation. Of course, they’d been completely honest, but he resisted the niggling of guilt that there was still something between them—at least on his end. This was based on his physical response to being within a few feet of her again.

He would definitely keep his distance in the courtroom, lest he embarrass himself for everyone to notice. But the next time they faced off would be in his domain, so she’d better be prepared. And she’d be under oath.

When the trial resumed, no matter the outcome of these proceedings, there wouldn’t be any winners here. It was a wrongful death suit involving a terminally ill child brought to the emergency room with complications from treatment.

The issue was with the ER doctor on staff and how the delay of a request for test results had affected the efficiency of care during a particularly busy time in the hospital. Sabine’s testimony related to the stress level and decision-making ability of the physician and if he could be held liable for the child’s delay in treatment.

Ben’s client was the physician on call that night. The only way to handle this kind of case was with the utmost compassion for the family who’d lost their child too soon. No winners here.

*

Two days later, Sabine answered the questions calmly and competently. She stated facts and supplemented her testimony with well-documented sleep-deprivation and behavioral studies to support her responses.

Her testimony was only a small part of this complicated puzzle. The most relevant information would come from the timeline that night, and how quickly the child was sent through triage, tests performed, processed, and the call made for treatment. A single person’s mental status under stressful conditions could hardly tell the entire story.

Sabine had tried to explain this to the prosecutor, but he’d been deliberate in pushing forward with this line of questioning. All she could do was be truthful and protect the facts

Reviews for Forever, Alabama

[katkealy · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

This is a light, enjoyable book about a counsellor & lawyer who conquer their pasts in a small town. I got it for free from Early Reviewers and my advanced copy had some grammatical errors and typos, but other than that it was a very fast read that kept me entertained. If you're looking for a light read to just escape, I'd recommend Forever, Alabama.

[duelalias · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

This is romantic, suspenseful, captivating and amusing. It's full of sleezy corrupt politicians and strife within families. Ben is very entertaining. He is confident, charming, family oriented and funny. Sabine is serious, determined and highly opinionated. Ben meeting Sabine opens his eyes to what kind of person he is, and he doesn't like himself much. Sabine thinks all smooth talking men are scum, until Ben makes her think otherwise. This really is a great story, and I love the "sexy thoughts" conversations.I received a complimentary copy of this book from LibraryThing. This is my voluntary and honest opinion of it.

[jcgirl-1 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

The third book in the Alabama series by Susan Sands is Forever, Alabama. The books revolve around the Larousse family. The main character in the third installment tells the story of Ben Larousse, a lawyer. His philosophy towards women is simple in his eyes, love and then leave them. He never seems to understand why women are confused that having three dates and sex with a woman is not a relationship. Luckily for these ladies, they have the family therapist, Sabine O'Connor to help them emotional come to terms with the hurt Ben has caused them. When Ben meets Sabine, he quickly puts on the great charm for Sabine but knowing Ben's history blows him off and wants nothing to do with him. Will Ben finally learn how his behavior affects women and realize what love can become with Sabine? Author Susan Sands brilliantly shows through her books the realistic view of the dysfunctionally individual and the clever way she introduces the importance of therapy.

[ash_p-1 · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun-loving, playboy Ben Laroux never goes over the two date limit. He doesn't do commitments and he makes that very clear to every woman he dates. Oblivious of course to the trail of broken hearts he leaves behind him. Sabine O'Connor, a fairly new transplant to Ministry, Alabama is privy to all the intimate details thanks to being the town psychiatrist. That has made her wary especially since Ben insists on flirting with her.

But Sabine has secrets of her own and they're about to all come out in a very big way. The only one she can turn to for help is Ben. Soon she realizes that though Ben may have a reputation as a heartbreaker, he has a heart of gold and honorable intentions. And that what they feel for each other might actually be the real thing.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

[arthistorychick · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Forever, Alabama by Susan SandsBook #3: Alabama SeriesSource: PurchaseMy Rating: 4½/5 starsMy Review:Is it possible to be a colossal ass and not know you’re a colossal ass?? In Ben Laroux’s case, the answer is a resounding yes! Trouble is, he is Ministry, Alabama’s most beloved colossal ass which has allowed him to go through life completely ignorant of his behavior. It’s hard to hide things from the town shrink though ? Sabine spends her days trying to help those who are at the end of their rope. She listens, counsels, and keeps the secrets of countless Ministry, Alabama residents. Which is precisely why she knows the kind of man Ben Laroux is without ever having to talk to him. With his ridiculous two date rules, Ben has left many women in Ministry wanting more than he is ever going to be capable of giving. As Sabine has figured out, Ben thinks he’s doing everyone a solid by being up front and honest. He never leads anyone on and simply walks away when the dating limit has been hit. Yeah, Sabine doesn’t need any part of that arrogance in her life. She’s full up on that kind of crap!Sabine and her mother are only in Ministry until Sabine can secure a divorce from her powerful, egomaniacal husband. For two years, they’ve hidden in Ministry hoping he will eventually come to his senses and grant Sabine the divorce she desperately wants. After all the lies, the cheating, and the relentless pursuit of power, Sabine wants out of the public spotlight and as far away from her husband as is humanly possible. In fact, Sabine is ready to move forward with her life and that can’t happen as long as she’s still tied to her past. When she refuses to give him even an ounce of consideration, Ben decides to push and poke at Sabine until she agrees to give him a chance. What Sabine finds is a man who is clueless about his behavior, who’s stunningly sexy, and under all the bravado, a genuinely good man who cares for her. Which is just about the time Sabine sabotages it all by telling Ben about her past and her struggle to break free. Though he is justifiably angered, Ben does what all Laroux’s do, he turns to his family for advice. As always, the Laroux’s come to the rescue (HOWARD!!!!) and Ben crafts a plan that will not only secure Sabine’s divorce, but land her despicable husband right where he belongs, in prison! To be sure, the plan is risky and before all is said and done, it becomes downright dangerous! The Bottom Line: I am still 100% a smitten kitten with Susan Sands’ Alabama series!! Of all the Ministry couples, Ben and Sabine are by far the most formidable. With her keen intelligence and insight into human nature and Ben’s intelligence, determination, and kind nature, there’s not much of anything or anyone who can stand in their way. Well, they can try ? Once again, Sands involves the entire Laroux family (and much of Ministry) which makes the read so much better, far more entertaining. Though I can’t say for sure this is the end of the Alabama series, I can say, if it is, Ben and Sabine’s story would be a fitting ending as it couples up all the Laroux kids and completes the family. With that being said, there are still a few characters hanging about (Sabine’s sister for example) who are just begging to have their story told. I’m not being subtle here, Susan Sands, I want more of the Alabama series. ASAP!!!

[ashpreads · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Fun-loving, playboy Ben Laroux never goes over the two date limit. He doesn't do commitments and he makes that very clear to every woman he dates. Oblivious of course to the trail of broken hearts he leaves behind him. Sabine O'Connor, a fairly new transplant to Ministry, Alabama is privy to all the intimate details thanks to being the town psychiatrist. That has made her wary especially since Ben insists on flirting with her.

But Sabine has secrets of her own and they're about to all come out in a very big way. The only one she can turn to for help is Ben. Soon she realizes that though Ben may have a reputation as a heartbreaker, he has a heart of gold and honorable intentions. And that what they feel for each other might actually be the real thing.

I received an Advanced Reader's Copy from NetGalley for voluntary review consideration.

[karatenursemary · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

I received a PDF copy from the publisher in exchange for a review as part of the LibraryThing Early Reviewer's group. This was a lighthearted basic book about 2 people (a doctor and a lawyer) in a small town. Part thriller and part love story. It's a decent book - easy to read but not something I stay up at night to finish.